500 graduate from Coastal Carolina Community College

The threat of rain wasn’t enough to stop 500 students and 2,000 family members from celebrating graduation at Coastal Carolina Community College.

John Althouse/The Daily News

By MATTHEW ADKINS - Daily News Staff

Published: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 04:08 PM.

The threat of rain wasn’t enough to stop 500 students and 2,000 family members from celebrating graduation at
Coastal
Carolina
Community College
.

Among them was Jerry Stephenson who turned 70-years-old this month and received his associates degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning during Saturday’s ceremony.

“I dropped out of school to make houses as a licensed builder,” he said. “It was something I always regretted. Even though construction has slowed down, I realized people are still going to want heat and air. I also may go back for additional education.”

At the ceremony with him was his wife of 48 years, Judy.

“It is our heartfelt hope that you leave this institution with a deep sense of pride for the caliber, commitment, and professionalism you all have shown towards your studies. Take pride in your own growth, the development in your educational achievements, in your mastery of difficult learning skills, and in your sense of personal accomplishment,” Ronald K. Lingle, president of CCCC, told Stephenson and the rest of CCCC’s graduates.

It was a mixture of nervousness and excitement as student Kadie Loux Tarr prepared to walk across the stage. These feelings were shared by her brother, Keith, who was also graduating.

“I plan on going to UNCW in the fall for social work. My brother is going there too, but for business administration,” she said.

The threat of rain wasn’t enough to stop 500 students and 2,000 family members from celebrating graduation at CoastalCarolinaCommunity College.

Among them was Jerry Stephenson who turned 70-years-old this month and received his associates degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning during Saturday’s ceremony.

“I dropped out of school to make houses as a licensed builder,” he said. “It was something I always regretted. Even though construction has slowed down, I realized people are still going to want heat and air. I also may go back for additional education.”

At the ceremony with him was his wife of 48 years, Judy.

“It is our heartfelt hope that you leave this institution with a deep sense of pride for the caliber, commitment, and professionalism you all have shown towards your studies. Take pride in your own growth, the development in your educational achievements, in your mastery of difficult learning skills, and in your sense of personal accomplishment,” Ronald K. Lingle, president of CCCC, told Stephenson and the rest of CCCC’s graduates.

It was a mixture of nervousness and excitement as student Kadie Loux Tarr prepared to walk across the stage. These feelings were shared by her brother, Keith, who was also graduating.

“I plan on going to UNCW in the fall for social work. My brother is going there too, but for business administration,” she said.

Both brother and sister graduated with honors and as members of the Phi Theta Kappa society, an international organization designed to recognize and encourage the academic achievements for students enrolled in a two year college.

Lingle said many graduates completed their studies under difficult circumstances.

“Many of you are single parents who maintain a household, raise children, and work as much as your studies will allow. A few of you have chipped away at your degree requirements, held your families together and overcome unbelievable anxiety and loneliness while a loved one was in harms way in Afghanistan. Under tremendous pressure and in the face of formidable obstacles, you have touched our hearts and earned our respect and admiration,” Lingle said.

While the graduates were the stars of Saturday’s show, Lingle also took a moment to recognize Paula Gribble as the college’s Educator of the Year.

Gribble has been the division chair for the nursing and allied health programs for 39 years and played a major part in achieving a 100 percent pass rate for all students in the nursing program.

According to Lingle, this is her last year teaching at the college.

“The record achieved by her nursing students on the state license exam has been so exemplary there has not even been a close second among other public community colleges in North Carolina,” said Lingle. “She is departing with her head held high after producing a record of achievement that probably will never be equaled at this institution.”